A sesh spot for some , a place and reading and reflection for others. But generally, from the concrete jungles of Thamesmead to the affluent white collar ruins of Dulwich, its musky, earthy smells and vivid greens of the grass are alluring to anyone looking for a casual Saturday day out. But above this general enjoyment of the area I find that many are educated of the rich historical significance that comes amongst Blackheath.

 

There is debate of how Blackheath came to contract its notable name. Some argue that Blackheath got its name as being a mass burial pit for the many bouts of disease, such as the black death and the plague, which plagued England during the 14th to 16th centuries. With the extensive number of bodies, meaning churchyards became ‘ overstuft.’ This compares to other accounts, which states that the meaning of the name derives from the 11th century where its name stems from the old English words, meaning, ‘dark soil’ which means of visceral corruption of a Blackheath.

 

There are also many royal attachments alongside Blackheath. The pagoda built in 1760 by William Chambers was made to mimic the traditional Chinese pagoda. It was later listed by King George the fourth and Hughes as a summer home by his wife. There was also the battle of Blackheath, which took place on the 17th of June 1497 where Henry the seventh had gathered an army of 25,000 men to defeat the depleted Cornish army.

 

It further has notoriety for it being a place of war, mayhem and disorder from a variation of periods.  It was a rallying point for what Tylers, peasant revolt of 1381, thanks, had come from the socio, economic and political tension generated from the Black death in addition to the Kentish rebellion in 1450. It also continued to function as an assembly point for the British Army as the Blackheath Army, which was assembled to serve in the third Anglo Dutch war.

 

Blackheath has also shown sporting enthusiasm in its history. In 1608, Blackheath was the place where golf was introduced to England at the Royal Blackheath golf club. Blackheath rugby club, founded in 1868, who is the fourth oldest rugby club in the world founded in 1858, birthing legends, such as C.B Fry, regarded as England’s greatest all-rounder, playing cricket, soccer and rugby. This club also has the pride of hosting the first international between England and Wales with players meeting and getting changed at Princess of Wales. Public house.

 

The continues to be a place that sustains a rich cultural and sporting reputation. The heath is an njyable place to gather for guy Fawkes night every November, with its vibrant fireworks displays. Further, there is the towering Rangers house- call the red brick Victorian mansion that backs directly onto Greenwich Park that has housed the Wernher Collection of art since 2002. It also is the starting point of the London Marathon.

 

Blkheath also has built a rich musical fame in recent years. Its annually held On Blackheath has housed many household names on its rich fields such Jamiroquai, Palomino Faith and the Libertines. There is also the Blackheath conservatoire of music, owned by Trinity Laban, it serves as a charity which leaves the arts accessible to the latter.  

 

So I hope, through my article, your next encounters of Blackheath involve something more inquisitive than a mere appreciation of the scenery .